Abstract: Various embodiments include composite wicks for ultra-low noise condensation particle counters (CPCs). In one embodiment, a composite wick includes a first porous material having a first pore density, with the first porous material further having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A second porous material is in fluid communication with the first porous material and has a first surface with an area substantially the same as an area of the first surface of the first porous material. The first surface of the second porous material is substantially in contact with the first surface of the first porous material. The second porous material has a pore density that is dissimilar the first pore density of the first material. The first material and the second material are configured to provide vapor from a liquid to a fluid-based particle counter. Other apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems for reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into multiple wicks used for transporting separate portions of an aerosol sample flow, with the wicks extending from a wick stand on a first end to a flow joiner on a second end, combining particles from the separate portions of the aerosol sample flow into a single aerosol stream within the flow joiner prior to transporting the combined aerosol sample stream into a particle detection chamber within the CPC, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water in a collection reservoir, and after receiving a signal corresponding to the excess volume of water, draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include composite wicks for ultra-low noise condensation particle counters (CPCs). In one embodiment, a composite wick includes a first porous material having a first pore density, with the first porous material further having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A second porous material is in fluid communication with the first porous material and has a first surface with an area substantially the same as an area of the first surface of the first porous material. The first surface of the second porous material is substantially in contact with the first surface of the first porous material. The second porous material has a pore density that is dissimilar the first pore density of the first material. The first material and the second material are configured to provide vapor from a liquid to a fluid-based particle counter. Other apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring size segregated mass concentration of an aerosol. The system includes an electromagnetic radiation source with beam-shaping optics for generation of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, an inlet sample conditioner with adjustable cut-size that selects particles of a specific size range, and an inlet nozzle for passage of an aerosol flow stream. The aerosol flow stream contains particles intersecting the beam of electromagnetic radiation to define an interrogation volume, and scatters the electromagnetic radiation from the interrogation volume. The system also includes a detector for detection of the scattered electromagnetic radiation an integrated signal conditioner coupled to the detector and generating a photometric output, and a processor coupled with the conditioner for conversion of the photometric output and cut-size to a size segregated mass distribution.

Abstract: A system for measuring size segregated mass concentration of an aerosol. The system includes an electromagnetic radiation source with beam-shaping optics for generation of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, an inlet sample conditioner with adjustable cut-size that selects particles of a specific size range, and an inlet nozzle for passage of an aerosol flow stream. The aerosol flow stream contains particles intersecting the beam of electromagnetic radiation to define an interrogation volume, and scatters the electromagnetic radiation from the interrogation volume. The system also includes a detector for detection of the scattered electromagnetic radiation an integrated signal conditioner coupled to the detector and generating a photometric output, and a processor coupled with the conditioner for conversion of the photometric output and cut-size to a size segregated mass distribution.

Abstract: A system for measuring size segregated mass concentration of an aerosol. The system includes an electromagnetic radiation source with beam-shaping optics for generation of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, an inlet sample conditioner with adjustable cut-size that selects particles of a specific size range, and an inlet nozzle for passage of an aerosol flow stream. The aerosol flow stream contains particles intersecting the beam of electromagnetic radiation to define an interrogation volume, and scatters the electromagnetic radiation from the interrogation volume. The system also includes a detector for detection of the scattered electromagnetic radiation an integrated signal conditioner coupled to the detector and generating a photometric output, and a processor coupled with the conditioner for conversion of the photometric output and cut-size to a size segregated mass distribution.

Abstract: A system for measuring size segregated mass concentration of an aerosol. The system includes an electromagnetic radiation source with beam-shaping optics for generation of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, an inlet sample conditioner with adjustable cut-size that selects particles of a specific size range, and an inlet nozzle for passage of an aerosol flow stream. The aerosol flow stream contains particles intersecting the beam of electromagnetic radiation to define an interrogation volume, and scatters the electromagnetic radiation from the interrogation volume. The system also includes a detector for detection of the scattered electromagnetic radiation an integrated signal conditioner coupled to the detector and generating a photometric output, and a processor coupled with the conditioner for conversion of the photometric output and cut-size to a size segregated mass distribution.